Laser Ablation for Efficient Space Debris Removal

Laser ablation is a promising solution to the growing space debris removal problem. Laser-induced plasma can be used to adjust debris trajectory in order to push the debris into Earth’s atmosphere for termination, or sending the debris into a graveyard orbit. This presentation will explore the use of nanosecond pulsed laser ablation to change the trajectory of space debris with a momentum change.

Furthermore, laser ablation will be investigated for its use in reducing rotational velocity of space debris. When pieces of space debris collide while spinning, more fragmented debris (<10cm in diameter) is created. Fragmented debris is dangerous since it cannot be tracked. Laser ablation would allow collisions to be mitigated, lessening the amount of dangerous, fragmented debris created if the collision could not be avoided.